THE FRENCH RIVIERA HAS NO SHORTAGE OF beautiful, sun-kissed coastal towns: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Antibes, Eze… But one of its most famous stops, Monte Carlo, has a way of sparking wanderlust in even the most jaded traveler. The district, located inside the second smallest country of Monaco, is synonymous with high living hence the Porsches, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces parked on every block.
Its enduring appeal among travellers stems from its accessiblity. Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, south France’s main transit hub, is a quick 7-minute helicopter ride away. When Monaco hosts its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, it is usually packed to the gills. Monaco’s Mediterranean climate means there’s never a bad time to visit. Visitors searching for a breathing room can enjoy warm tempreatures and beachside relaxation in spring and fall.
Things not to miss in Monaco
• Playing a hand at the famed Casino de Monte Carlo
• Visiting the 19th-century Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedrale de Monaco, also the final resting place of Princess Grace
• Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation, dedicated to bacon’s work, life and creative process
• Touring neighbouring Monaco Ville, the old town also known as Le Rocher, home to the Grimaldis’ historic royal residence
The leading hotels in Monaco spell Luxury in most profound destinations:
COLUMBUS MONTE-CARLO is more than a hotel, it is a lifestyle. It subtly combines a cosmopolitan ‘Chic&Cool’ atmosphere and highly personalised design with the authentic environment of the district of Fontvieille, at the foot of the Rock, overhanging the sea and the Rose garden dedicated to Princess Grace.
The style is Riviera chic, the service is graceful, genuinely friendly and always attentive, the feeling cool and laid back. Live life, live life. www.columbusmonaco.com
HÔTEL METROPOLE MONTE-CARLO: This beautiful 5-star luxury hotel is set in the heart of Monaco overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, steps from the casino. The property features 126 rooms including 64 suites, all luxuriously designed by Jacques Garcia. The Hotel Metropole is also known as a gourmet retreat comprising three Michelin Stars with four restaurants by Joël Robuchon. Well being and relaxation are the key words in the Metropole Spa & Odyssey with a pool area designed by Karl Lagerfeld. https://www.metropole.com/
HÔTEL FAIRMONT MONTE-CARLO: In the heart of the ‘golden square’, with inspiring views of the Mediterranean coastline and facing the most famous bend of the F1 circuit, the Fairmont Hairpin, the hotel Fairmont Monte Carlo offers a full range of unique offerings: 602 rooms and suites with private terraces and panoramic views; four restaurants and bars: Nobu, Horizon and Nikki Beach and the round-the-clock Saphir24 bistro lounge & bar; exclusive Fairmont Spa & Fitness, rooftop heated pool, coiffeur, shopping mall and an in-house casino. https://www.fairmont.com/montecarlo
HÔTEL HERMITAGE MONTE-CARLO Ideally located in the heart of Monaco, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo majestically faces the Prince Palace and the Monaco Harbor. This Belle Époque Palace, recently renovated, combines the best of classicism and modernity. The rooms are havens of discreet luxury, privacy and charm. The one-star Vistamar Restaurant and Crystal bar offer a gastronomic experience with the finest seafood, local organic vegetables and Grand cru Wines. The Hôtel Hermitage is also well-known for its luxurious wellness center The Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo and its private beach club. https://www.hotelhermitagemontecarlo.com/
HÔTEL DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO:The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has been a legendary address since 1864. Ideally situated on the Place du Casino, it is perfectly positioned on the F1 Grand Prix racetrack and is located near the spa, les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, renowned throughout Europe for its beauty and holistic approach to wellness and preventive care. A custom tailored visit, with the impeccable service at this hotel, will be a most memorable one. Epicureans flock to the three-Michelin- starred, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris to enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine, paired with wines from the remarkable cellar that boasts more than 600,000 bottles.
https://www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com/
MONTE-CARLO BEACH: The Monte-Carlo Beach, a chic and timeless hotel built in the 1930s, has always been the epitome of glamour and “dolce vita”. This palace, which has received celebrities from far and wide, has been renovated by architect designer India Mahdavi, and restored to all its former glory. Sea all around, and with an original terracotta façade and frescoes inspired by Matisse and Cocteau make it the perfect setting for an exquisite break. Located in a site of outstanding natural beauty, in the shelter of a pine forest, the Monte-Carlo Beach offers a “Cabanas” service, an Olympic pool, the Monte-Carlo Beach SPA and its Michelin-starred restaurant Elsa, certified as 100% organic by Ecocert. https://www.monte-carlo-beach.com/
MONTE-CARLO BAY HOTEL & RESORT: Located on a ten-acre peninsula of gardens facing the sea, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort reinstates a chic and casual ambiance in the heart of the Riviera. Most of the 334 rooms and suites offer sea views and a whole new way to experience Monte-Carlo. During your stay, enjoy the seasonal sandy bottom lagoon, the indoor pool, our fantastic Spa Cinq Mondes, our restaurants, bars, casino and the renowned Jimmy’z night club.
https://www.montecarlobay.com/
(Advertiser-Sponsored Feature: A Marketing Initiative)
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